The people of Kobor, Kanyasembe, Sagam, and Rabuor villages in East Gem Ward consider the Ahono-Sinaga Water Project as a lifeline and a symbol of hope, hence christened the name ‘River Jordan.’ The comparison is owed to the fact that the project is reliable as well as consistent in providing water particularly during seasons when there is little or no rains.
Originally initiated by the local community in 1990, the project became essential for sustaining the area's water needs. After the devolved system of government came into operations following the adoption of the 2010 Kenyan Constitution, the County Government of Siaya continued with the modernization and expansion of the project. Since the project has continued to expand its operations, it has also stretched its scale and value to the people of the region.
The Ahono-Sinaga Water Project was put through a major rehabilitation process by Governor James Orengo in February 2023. The governor launched the construction of the rehabilitation works the event that unveiled Rising Mains; a system that will help transport water to the main reservoirs in Rabuor. This critical renovation has greatly improved the availability of water in the communities in the area. Investment by the County Government has firmed up the project and expanded its roll out across the residents of the county in a more effective manner.
The project's origin is rooted in a need to find an alternative to the costly and unreliable electricity supply. Today, it boasts a sophisticated hybrid system comprising 72 solar panels, reducing power dependency while simultaneously increasing efficiency. This solar-powered system now benefits over 15,000 residents across the four villages. This has not only shown an ability to utilize renewable energy, which has helped to lower operating expenses, but also a reliable source of affordable water supply for the community. This solar panel system has now provided a model of innovation in terms of improving rural water projects in the region.
Speaking to the project chairperson, Mr. Elijah Obor, the beneficiary of the project avails more than just clean drinking water in the project. Through the project, the community has benefited to venture in income generating disciplines for instance, fish farming has empowered the youths. ‘We are now engaging in fish farming here as a way of providing job opportunities for the young people.’ We have two fish ponds; one in which we farm mudfish and another which is dedicated to tilapia fish. The idea is to have one more,” Mr. Obor said. The outcome of this initiative has not only forced eased insecurity on food but has also created another channel of earning for the youths in the community.
The water project targets three important water kiosks in Rabuor, Sagam, and Kobor with the aim of providing water at reasonable prices. When reached for comment for her view on the facility, Damaris Anyango a hotel owner at Rabuor Market greatly appreciated on the fact that they can now be able to get clean and safe drinking water at a cost of Ksh.5 per 20 litres.
Another beneficiary of the project is water vendor Marvin Otieno who said that because of the project, he can sell up to five cubic centimetres of water on a good day. This income has enabled him expand his farming activities and went into crop farming thereby enhancing his cash inflow. Other stakeholders or beneficiaries who are benefiting from the water supply from the project apart from the individual beneficiaries include Dolphine Hospital and Sagam Primary and Secondary Schools among others.